Creamy Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef recipe promises pure comfort on a plate.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Rich flavors dance across your palate, promising a delightful dining experience.

Tender pasta nestles perfectly with seasoned ground beef, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Melted cheese adds a creamy richness that makes every bite irresistible.

Grab your apron and let this delectable dish become your new weeknight favorite.

Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef Hearty Dinner

• Craft a Flavorful Comfort Meal: Dive into a dish that blends rich ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying dinner that warms your soul.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-skillet wonder cuts down on dishes and preparation time, making it a go-to recipe for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Customize to Your Taste: Easily adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap cheeses, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the delicious core intact.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, garlicky goodness that makes this pasta dish a guaranteed hit at the dinner table, ensuring clean plates and happy faces.

Ingredients Needed For Cheesy Penne With Ground Beef

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape perfect for holding onto the rich, creamy sauce.
• Ground Beef: The protein base that adds hearty flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a delicious stringy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the creamy sauce.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Provide a rich and luxurious base for the sauce.

• Garlic, Onion, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: These ingredients create depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Beef Broth: Adds extra savory flavor to the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

Step-By-Step Guide To Prepare Cheesy Penne With Beef

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Add penne pasta and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter in the pan.

Add ground beef and break it into small pieces while cooking. Continue until the beef turns a rich golden brown color.

If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it away.

Step 3: Infuse with Aromatic Flavors

Create a space in the skillet and add another pat of butter.

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onions

Sauté until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma and the vegetables soften. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Create the Luxurious Sauce

• Beef broth
• Heavy cream

Stir the liquids together and let the mixture simmer.

Watch as it begins to thicken and become velvety smooth. Gently fold in Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef

Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each pasta piece gets coated in the decadent sauce.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the dish. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serving

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and the pasta is piping hot.

Get ready to dive into a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Cooking Tips To Perfect Cheesy Penne With Ground Beef

• Shake off excess water completely to prevent watery sauce and ensure each pasta piece gets coated evenly with the delicious garlic butter mixture.
• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess grease, creating a more flavorful and crispy meat texture.
• Let mozzarella melt slowly with the lid on to create a beautifully smooth, stretchy cheese layer that blends seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
• Modify red pepper flakes quantity based on heat preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick that complements the rich, cheesy profile.
• Chop parsley just before sprinkling to maintain vibrant color and release maximum fresh, aromatic oils that brighten the entire dish's flavor.

Flavor Variations To Refresh Cheesy Penne With Ground Beef

• Veggie-Packed Version: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian protein alternative that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the creamy, cheesy sauce profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and increase red pepper flakes for a Greek-inspired flavor transformation that brings zesty complexity to the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free, allowing individuals with dietary restrictions to enjoy this comforting meal without compromising taste.

Pairing Suggestions To Serve With Cheesy Penne Dish

Robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese perfectly.

Fresh mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette balances the heavy, cheesy pasta and provides a light, refreshing contrast.

Toasted crusty bread with herbed butter matches the garlic notes in the dish and helps soak up the delicious sauce.

Hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy pasta and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Storage Advice To Keep Cheesy Penne Dish Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What makes the beef tender and flavorful?

The butter helps brown the beef and creates a rich flavor base. Cooking it over medium heat and breaking it apart ensures even cooking and a tender texture.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or shells. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente to maintain the right texture.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them to control the spice level. The Italian seasoning provides flavor without significant heat.

• How do I prevent the sauce from being too runny?

Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes to let it thicken naturally. The Parmesan cheese also helps create a creamy, slightly thickened consistency.

Cheesy Penne With Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef brings Italian comfort straight to your dinner table. Melted cheese, tender pasta, and seasoned beef create a hearty meal that satisfies hungry families with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Submerge penne pasta and cook until tender but firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature. Melt butter and introduce ground beef, systematically breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden brown color. Eliminate any excess fat if necessary.
3. Relocate the beef to one side of the skillet. Add remaining butter, then incorporate minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the aromatics become translucent and fragrant, roughly 2 minutes. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, blending thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper according to preference.
4. Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes. Gradually integrate Parmesan cheese, stirring until a smooth, creamy consistency develops.
5. Introduce the cooked penne into the skillet. Gently fold the pasta through the sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the flavorful mixture.
6. Distribute mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely, approximately 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the decadent, garlicky dish.

Notes

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Reduce heavy cream by half and add Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce with fewer calories.
• Toast garlic briefly to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent burning, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Use gluten-free penne for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the creamy, cheesy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 586 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg